Treatment FAQ

how often do indoor cats need flea treatment

by Dr. Don Ortiz DDS Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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It’s a good idea to give your cat an anti-flea treatment, even if they live in the house. Cat experts recommend Bravecto or Vectra applied topically every three months for indoor cats who don’t go outside and need only apply it once per month while outdoors on short walks with their owners during warmer months when ticks are most active

So, no sooner than you've killed adult fleas, the larval fleas hatch, mature into adults, feed and lay eggs, and the cycle continues. This is why we generally treat for 3 months or a minimum of 3-4 life cycles to contain a flea infestation inside the home.Aug 21, 2018

Full Answer

Which natural flea treatments for cats really work?

Sep 25, 2021 · Therefore, indoor-only cats are at risk of flea infestation even if they do not come into contact with any other animals. This does not necessarily mean that every cat requires a monthly flea preventative. Cats with no skin problems and no visible flea infestation can often get by with only occasional applications of flea preventatives.

What to do when your cat has fleas?

How often do indoor cats need flea treatment? Again, your vet will advise you on the one most suitable for your cat. There are sprays, collars and spot-on treatments. If your home is centrally heated, your cat will need his flea treatment monthly throughout the year to ensure no live fleas get into the house.

What is the best thing for fleas on cats?

Yes, it is important for your cat’s health that you regularly treat them for parasites all year round, regardless of whether they are kept indoors or outdoors. An indoor cat isn’t going to be stalking prey through the wilds of the neighbours’ gardens, but you might be surprised to learn that they may get an opportunity to hunt in your home.

What are the best flea medications for cats?

Sep 19, 2019 · Indoor cats can get fleas, usually by way of us bringing them in from outside. If it turns into a full blown infestation inside it can be a drawn out process to get rid of them. I have been fortunate in that it hasn't happened to me yet but I know that it could happen. Reactions: CatLover49 and fionasmom. Sep 17, 2019.

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How often should I flea my indoor cat?

Again, your vet will advise you on the one most suitable for your cat. There are sprays, collars and spot-on treatments. If your home is centrally heated, your cat will need his flea treatment monthly throughout the year to ensure no live fleas get into the house.

Do indoor cats need flea treatment every month?

Every cat, yes, even indoor cats, needs to be on a monthly flea and tick prevention medication.Jul 24, 2019

How often should I use flea treatment on my cat?

It depends on which formulation you decide to use for your cat. Most oral medications are used every 1-3 months that can vary by brand. The standard time frame for applying topical medications is usually every 30 days, but this can depend on the brand used.Mar 22, 2021

Do indoor cats need flea treatment year round?

As you can see, your cat does need year-round flea, tick & heartworm preventives. We encourage you to discuss the most suitable preventions with your veterinarian. If you have questions about flea and tick prevention, contact us.

How did my indoor cat get fleas?

A neighbor: If you live in an apartment complex or other housing with shared space, your cat may encounter fleas simply through other infested pets that live in close proximity. Another pet: If you have other pets that go outside, such as a dog or even a more adventurous cat, they can bring fleas into the home.

Can an indoor only cat get fleas?

Yes, your indoor-only cat does have fleas, and here's how. Fleas are classed as an external parasite (or ectoparasite), meaning they complete their life cycle on the outside of a host. In this situation, the host is your cat (or dog, rabbit, guinea pig, etc.).Mar 28, 2019

Can I give my cat flea treatment a week early?

The known safe answer is to wait the period of time the product is supposed to work, typically 30 days, before reapplying. An alternative is to bathe the pet in a detergent shampoo (meant to strip off skin oils) and reapply after 24 hours.

Can you flea a cat twice in a month?

Yes, if after two weeks the flea preventive you applied isn't working, you can reapply flea treatment early, or switch to another brand. I recommend using Advantix or a chewable prescription product from your vet, like Bravecto, Nexgard, Simparica, or Credelio.

What is the best flea treatment for indoor cats?

PetsRadar's pick of the best flea treatments for catsFrontline Plus. ... Amazon Brand - Solimo Flea Topical Treatment for Cats. ... Seresto Flea and Tick Cat Collar. ... Vet's Best Waterless Cat Bath. ... Capstar Flea Tablets. ... CAPACTION Fast-Acting Oral Flea Treatment for Cats. ... Advantage 40 Spot On.More items...•4 days ago

Do indoor cats need flea and heartworm medicine?

All cats regardless of indoor/outdoor status should be on a year-round flea, tick, and heartworm prevention protocol.Jun 20, 2019

Do indoor cats need vaccines?

When considering your cat's health, it's always prudent to be cautious, as cats are often curious by nature. Our vets recommend core vaccinations for indoor cats to protect them against diseases they could be exposed to if they happen to escape the safety of your home.Jun 15, 2020

Do indoor cats need revolution plus?

You only need to apply Revolution Plus once monthly to protect your cat from parasites. Remember that indoor cats need protection year round, just like those that may go outside occasionally or even live most of their life outdoors. And we can't emphasize protection against heartworms enough.Jan 25, 2019

How do I know if my indoor cat has fleas?

The most obvious sign that your cat has fleas is persistent scratching, or sometimes over-grooming, which can result in bald patches on their coat. If your cat develops a flea allergy they may also have scabs and red, sore areas on their skin.

How does my indoor cat have fleas?

Indoor cats can get fleas (and other pests, such as ticks) just like outdoor cats can. A home is not a sealed environment – people come and go, doors and windows open and close. Even window screens are not complete guarantees. Despite our best efforts, fleas can still enter the home, and thus, onto your cats.

Can a house cat get fleas?

Can indoor cats get fleas? In short, yes. It’s a very common misconception that indoor-only cats can’t pick up fleas and it can be a nasty shock when an infestation strikes.

What kills fleas on cats instantly?

Dish Soap. Believe it or not, even the most gentle formulations of dish soap have proven to be very effective at exterminating fleas. The dish soap breaks down the flea’s exoskeleton and kills them within minutes, even after it’s been diluted in water.

How does Dawn get rid of fleas on cats?

Fleas have exoskeletons that allow them to float in water, explains Dr. Reeder. “Dawn (and other soaps like it) creates a kind of surfactant, or surface tension, that will compromise the exoskeleton and make adult fleas sink,” he says. So essentially, the soap drowns the fleas.

How often do indoor cats need flea treatment?

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How do you know you have fleas in your bed?

Signs of fleas in your bedding include tiny black specks that are sometimes called “flea dirt.” These are flea excrement; if you sprinkle them with a little water, they’ll turn a dark-reddish brown. Another sign that fleas have invaded your bed are flea bites on your body.

Can cats get fleas?

Indoor cats can get fleas, usually by way of us bringing them in from outside. If it turns into a full blown infestation inside it can be a drawn out process to get rid of them. I have been fortunate in that it hasn't happened to me yet but I know that it could happen. Sep 17, 2019. #3.

Can cats bring fleas to vets?

If your cat visits vets fairly often for any health issues or check-ups, it's a good idea to give them flea meds, in my view. You or your kitty can certainly bring home fleas (or just one flea! that's all it takes) from a vet's office -- from the waiting room, the exam rooms, the lab area. Sep 18, 2019. #16.

What are the insects that come out of the woodwork?

It’s very difficult to avoid them while you’re outside. Ants, flies, mosquitos, ticks, and fleas seem to magically appear when the weather gets warm.

Do cats need to be treated for fleas?

If you have cats who have access to a back deck or porch area, I’d say they probably need to be treated to prevent fleas. They could pick up the fleas from those areas and bring them inside. Perhaps you could choose to treat your furniture and carpets just in case the fleas were brought inside.

Do indoor cats need flea meds?

I would assume that an indoor-only cat wouldn’t need flea meds. Unless people or dogs bring the fleas inside, the indoor cats shouldn’t be exposed to fleas. This wouldn’t be the case if you have indoor/outdoor cats, of course.

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